Are These Whiskey Cocktails Better Than Making Your Own?

For the last 6 months or so my go-to bourbon has been Bulleit.  The price is decent for what you get, and it goes down really well after it mellows for a minute or two over ice.  I have made cocktails with it a couple of times in the form of an old fashioned, and they turnout out great.

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Like many other alcohol makers out there, Bulleit has jumped on the train of selling pre-mixed cocktails.  Called Bulleit Crafted Cocktails, they offer an Old Fashioned version and also a Manhattan.  Both are ready to drink neat, or throw over some ice, but are they any good?

I've purchased pre-mixed cocktails from other makers in the past and generally ended up with buyer's remorse.  Once in a while one will rock, but they are usually either too sweet, or just don't taste great in general.

I stopped into Belknap Liquor and grabbed both of the Bulleit Crafted Cocktail options to bring with to a dinner party we were invited to.  Each was around $27.99 for a 750ml bottle, and that's close to what I usually pay for a regular bottle of Bulleit.

Bulleit Old Fashioned Cocktail

I'll start with the Old Fashioned as that's my go-to cocktail if I'm not drinking bourbon on the rocks.  I poured the room temperature bottle into a glass with ice and took a sip about a minute later.  My initial reaction was how strong it was, as in they didn't mess around with the bourbon content.  I let it mellow for another minute and it then went down smooth, a little too smooth.  The mix to bourbon ratio was damn near perfect for my taste buds as I don't like alcohol that's too sweet.  The orange bitters are present but not overpowering, and again, it really does let the bourbon shine.  This pre-mixed cocktail will now be a staple in the alcohol cupboard.

Bulleit Manhattan Cocktail

As for the Bulleit Manhattan, I'll admit that I drink less of those than the good ole old fashioned cocktails, but still dabble in that world on occasion.  I don't make Manhattans at home but will order them or certainly drink them if offered.  The pre-mixed version that Bulleit offers features their Bulleit Rye Whiskey, some sweet vermouth, and bitters.  Much like the Bulleit Old Fashioned, it's a great mix to alcohol ratio.  There's no guessing at if there is actually booze in it, and it goes down pretty damn smooth too.  I would put this up against many bar bought and hand mixed Manhattans I've had before.

For the price, and not having to keep vermouth or bitters on hand at home, these are tough to beat options for pre-mixed cocktails.  Also, these would be perfect for camping or any adventure where you only want to bring only one bottle with you.